Couple Die in Motorcycle Crash in Angeles Forest

A married couple from Palmdale cruising on their new Harley Davidson through Angeles National Forest were killed Sunday afternoon when their motorcycle careened out of control in the path of an oncoming van, according to the CHP.

The accident appeared to be alcohol-related, said Officer Karen Faciane, a spokeswoman for the California Highway Patrol. Faciane said both the 45-year-old man and his 44-year-old wife were wearing illegal "beanie helmets"--small, thin headgear that do not meet the safety standards required by the federal Department of Transportation.

The couple, whose identities were withheld by authorities until their family could be notified, were riding westbound on Big Pines Highway coming from Wrightwood. They were going 45 to 50 mph around a curve when their motorcycle toppled, perhaps due to excessive speed, Faciane said. The accident was reported about 3:50 p.m.

The man, who was driving, was thrown onto the roadway. The woman was hit by the oncoming van and dragged 25 to 30 feet, Faciane said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another motorcyclist riding behind the couple, coming upon the accident, also crashed and sustained moderate injuries, Faciane said.